This time of year, many families have their minds fixed on a much-anticipated spring vacation. Often, these getaways are to warm, waterfront destinations. Ahead of Spring Break, we asked Michelle Bailey, DNP, FNP-C, PPG – Pediatrics and Primary Care, some of our most pressing questions about beach safety for all ages.
What are some must-have items parents should have in their beach bag?
Essentials for the beach include:
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Hats
- Plenty of water to stay hydrated in the hot sun
- Towels
- Wipes for sandy hands
- A blanket to sit on
- Snacks that are not heat-sensitive, such as granola bars, apples and peanut butter crackers
- First aid kit
What rules should parents establish with children before going to the beach?
It is important to teach children to respect the water, so everyone stays safe and has a good time. This post by the American Red Cross and this one from The American Academy of Pediatrics, have some great tips, but some that stand out are:
- Never swim alone, even if someone is an experienced swimmer. Everyone must swim with an appointed buddy.
- Children should ask parents for permission to enter the water and wade in with an adult at arm’s reach if they are young.
- Avoid diving off rocks, boats, docks or cliffs, especially in areas where the water depth is unknown. Diving into shallow water can cause head and spinal injuries.
- If lightning or a thunderstorm pops up, everyone should return to the blanket to head indoors.
What should we wear to the beach?
Bright swimwear can help provide visibility at the beach, especially when kids are in the water. Rash guards, lightweight cover-ups, long-sleeved tops and wide-brimmed hats will help keep skin protected from the sun. Don’t forget sandals or flip flops, because the sand can get very hot.
What are some safety considerations parents need to keep in mind regarding …
Sun exposure
The sun’s rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., so limiting sun exposure during these times will help prevent burns. Regardless of the time of day, everyone should wear sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. To provide the most protection from the sun, start applying sunscreen at least 30 minutes before arriving at the beach. Reapply sunscreen every two hours and after getting out of the water, even if the sunscreen is waterproof. If you are at the beach during the sunniest hours, take frequent breaks in the shade or under an umbrella.
Heat exposure
Take frequent breaks in the shade and drink plenty of water to avoid heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion or heatstroke. Watch for signs of distress, such as:
- Increased thirst
- Muscle cramps
- Headache
- Cool or clammy skin
- Extreme tiredness
- Weakness
- Fast heart rate
- Body temperature of 105 degrees or higher
- Fainting
- Nausea
- Confusion
If a child shows potential signs of heatstroke, seek immediate medical care, move the child indoors or in the shade, undress the child and have them lie down. Offer sips of cool, clear liquids.
Sand play
When scouting a good place for sand play, watch for sharp objects, bottles, jellyfish or holes in the sand. If children are digging holes, the hole should not be deeper than their knees to prevent falling in or getting trapped. Always keep children in sight and fill any sand holes your children have made before you leave the beach.
Waves
Waves are fun to play in, but they can be strong and sometimes unexpected. Facing the water will help children see waves coming in so they are not knocked over by a sudden wave. If children are playing in the waves, appoint an adult watcher whose sole job is to watch the kids without distractions such as books or phones.
Tide
Tides, or the rising and falling of the sea, can give swimmers a completely different experience depending on the time of day. Lifeguards will often post flags or signs stating whether the beach is in high tide or low tide, or when there are dangerous rip currents. High tides will cause the water to move up higher on the beach, and the water is generally deeper with stronger waves and currents. Low tides provide more sandy beach space, and the water is farther from the shore with weaker currents. You can always check the Coastguard beach tide times online to determine when swimming is the safest in your location.
Life jacket/floaties
Children and adults should always wear life jackets when they are boating, riding a jet ski, waterskiing, kayaking or using a paddle board. Any small children or individuals who are not experienced swimmers should wear a life jacket when they are in or near the water. Even when children are wearing life jackets, they should still have constant adult supervision.
Dehydration
Encourage frequent water breaks at the beach to help prevent dehydration. Children who are mildly to moderately dehydrated will have:
- Dry or sticky mouths
- Fewer tears
- Decreased urination (fewer than six wet diapers per day for infants)
- Infants may have a sunken soft spot
Severely dehydrated children are often:
- Excessively tired
- Fussy
- Have wrinkly, cool or discolored hands or feet
- Have sunken eyes
At a minimum, 30-pound children should drink a minimum of 32 ounces of fluid a day.
Keep these tips in mind as you pack up and head out of town. Putting strong safety practices in place is a great way to ensure you have a happy, healthy trip full of warm memories.
Sources
American Academy of Pediatrics - Beach Safety for Families
